A Gray Schist Relief Panel of the Great Departure

GANDHARA, 2ND/3RD CENTURY

Details

A Gray Schist Relief Panel of the Great Departure
Gandhara, 2nd/3rd Century
Finely carved with Siddhartha departing on horseback flanked by numerous attendants, his groom Chandaka holding a canopy and a yaksha supporting the forefeet of the horse Kanthaka, the border forming a gateway with sawtooth edge and palmettes frieze above
10¾ in. (27.2 cm.) high

Provenance

Private Collection, Japan, aquired in 1990s
Private Collection, Switzerland, acquired from Christie's New York, 23 September 2004, lot 2

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Lot Essay

The scene marks the departure of Siddhartha from Kapilavastu and the renunciation of his princely life, embarking on his journey towards enlightenment. It is rare to find a frontal depiction, put to great effect in the present example. The yaksha supports the hooves of the horse to avoid awakening the guards. On the left is Mara holding a bow powerless to prevent Siddhartha's flight, on the far right Tyche leaning on a turret, patron of the city of Kapilavastu.

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